Soap dispenser system

ABSTRACT

A soap dispenser system includes a fixture disposed above a countertop and a soap container disposed below the countertop. The fixture includes a main body and a mount attached to the countertop. The main body includes a soap dispensing element that is fluidically coupled to the soap container via a fluid supply line. The mount includes an indication system and a refill port for accessing the soap container. The main body is removably coupled to the mount in order to expose the refill port and access the soap container. The indication system is configured to indicate a power status of the system and a soap level status of the soap container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates in general to a soap dispenser system.More particularly, the present invention relates to a soap dispensersystem including visual and/or audible indication of operation andstatus of the soap dispenser system. Even more particularly, the presentinvention relates to a soap dispenser system including top-fillfunctionality of the soap container.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

Many washrooms include wash basins with separate water faucets and soapdispensers for each wash basin. The water faucet and soap dispenserextend out over the wash basin to allow a user to use both the water andsoap without removing his hands from the wash basin and getting excesswater and soap on the countertop. Each soap dispenser is fluidicallyconnected to and dispenses soap from a soap container. As the soapdispenser is used over time, the soap container needs to be refilled bya maintenance worker. If the soap container is not refilled, the soapdispenser will no longer dispense soap once the soap container is empty.However, it is also inconvenient for a worker to check the soap level ofeach soap container each time they are in the washroom. Further, when aworker is refilling a soap container, there is a risk of overflow of thesoap container. Overflow results in unnecessary excess waste and excessmess.

In addition, a pump assists in pulling soap from the soap container andpumping the soap out of the soap dispenser. A power supply, such as abattery, is required to operate the pump. If the power supply dies, thesoap dispenser will no longer dispense soap. However, the worker has noway of knowing if a power supply has low power.

As such, there is a need in the art for a soap dispenser system with avisual and/or audible indication system that is seamlessly incorporatedinto a mounting base to notify a user of the operation and statuses ofthe elements of the soap dispenser system. For instance, high and lowsoap level in a soap container and power level of a power supply.

Current soap dispensers also require inefficient tubing connections orinefficient removal of pieces to refill the soap container, when thesoap container is empty. That is, refilling the soap container can be atroublesome task for a worker. As such, there is also a need in the artfor a soap dispenser system having a fixture that is easily removablefrom a mounted base, which is fluidically coupled to a soap container.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a soap dispensing system includinga main body fixture that is removably coupled to a fixture mount.Additionally, the fixture mount includes an indication system forgenerating visual indication of status and operation of the soapdispensing system. Meanwhile, the soap dispensing system may alsoinclude an audible indication of status and operation of the soapdispensing system.

According to an embodiment of the invention, a soap dispenser systemincludes a fixture disposed above a countertop and a soap containerdisposed below the countertop. The fixture includes a main body and amount attached to the countertop. The main body includes a soapdispensing element that is fluidically coupled to the soap container viaa fluid supply line. The mount includes an indication system and arefill port for accessing the soap container. The main body is removablycoupled to the mount in order to expose the refill port and access thesoap container. The indication system is configured to indicate a powerstatus of the system and a soap level status of the soap container.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the fluid supplyline may be disposed within the fixture main body. The fluid supply lineincludes a first fluid connector disposed at an end of the fluid supplyline and a second fluid connector extending from the fixture mount. Thesecond fluid supply connector is configured to detachably couple withthe first fluid connector. That is, when the fixture main body isremoved from the fixture mount, the first and second fluid connectorsdetach from each other.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the indicationsystem may include a translucent collar and an illumination deviceplaced adjacent the translucent collar. Further, the soap container mayinclude a low soap level sensor and a high soap level sensor. Theillumination device is configured to provide a visual low soap levelindication when the low soap level sensor detects a predetermined lowsoap level. For example, the low soap level may be 25% or lower of thevolume of the soap container 18. The illumination device is alsoconfigured to provide a visual high soap level indication when the highsoap level sensor detects a predetermined high soap level, for example,75% or higher of the volume of the soap container 18. It is alsocontemplated that the indication system may include an audible device toprovide an audible high soap level indication when the high soap levelsensor detects the high soap level. Further yet, the indication systemmay also be configured to provide a visual low battery level indicationwhen a power supply is at a low battery level.

According to another embodiment of the invention, a soap dispensingfixture includes a main body with a soap dispensing element and a mountsecured to the countertop. The mount includes an indication system and arefill port fluidically coupled to a soap container. Further, theindication system is configured to provide a visual indication of a soaplevel and/or a battery level. The main body is removably coupled to themount and configured to transition between an open orientation and aclosed orientation.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the indicationsystem includes an illumination device and a translucent collar affixedto the mount. The illumination device provides a visual indication of alow soap level and a visual indication of a high soap level.Additionally, the indication system may provide an audible warning ofthe high soap level.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the soapdispensing fixture may also include a locking mechanism configured tomaintain the main body and the mount in the closed orientation. Further,the soap dispensing fixture may include a proximity sensor configured todetect whether the main body and the mount are in the closed orientationor the open orientation. In turn, the proximity sensor is configured toprevent activation of the soap dispensing element when the main body andthe mount are in the open orientation.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the mount mayinclude a plurality of supports extending upward from the mount and intothe main body, when the main body and the mount are in the closedorientation. Further, the soap dispensing fixture may include a fluidsupply line disposed within the main body. The fluid supply lineincludes a first fluid connector disposed at one end and a second fluidconnector extending from the mount. The second fluid connector isconfigured to couple with the first fluid connector when the main bodyand the mount are in the closed orientation and detach from the firstfluid connector when the main body and the mount are in the openorientation.

According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a soap dispensersystem includes a fixture having a mount coupled to a countertop and amain body removably coupled to the mount. The mount includes a refillport and an indication system. The indication system includes atranslucent collar placed adjacent a top surface of the countertop andan illumination device placed adjacent the translucent collar.Meanwhile, the main body includes a soap dispensing element. The mountand main body are configured to transition between an open orientationand a closed orientation. Further, a soap container may be fluidicallycoupled to the soap dispensing element via a supply line. The soapcontainer may also be refillable via the refill port of the mount. Inaddition, the soap container may include a high-level soap sensor and alow-level soap sensor.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the indicationsystem may provide a visual indication of a low soap level determined bythe low soap level sensor and a high soap level determined by the highsoap level sensor. The indication system may also provide an audiblewarning of the high soap level determined by the high soap level sensor.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a front surfaceof the collar may be flush with a front surface of the mount. Further,the fixture may include a locking mechanism with a locked positionconfigured to maintain the main body and the mount in the closedorientation.

These and other aspects and objects of the present invention will bebetter appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction withthe following description and the accompanying drawings. It should beunderstood, however, that the following description, while indicatingpreferred embodiments of the present invention, is given by way ofillustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications maybe made within the scope of the present invention without departing fromthe spirit thereof, and the invention includes all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A clear conception of the advantages and features constituting thepresent invention, and of the construction and operation of typicalmechanisms provided with the present invention, will become more readilyapparent by referring to the exemplary, and therefore non-limiting,embodiments illustrated in the drawings accompanying and forming a partof this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate thesame elements in the several views, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a soap dispenser system above and belowa countertop according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the soap dispenser system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a soap dispensing fixture of the soapdispenser system of FIG. 1 in a closed orientation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the soap dispensing fixture of FIG. 3 inan open orientation;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged front view of a collar of the soap dispensingfixture of FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a mount of the soap dispensingfixture of FIG. 3;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a soap dispensing fixture, according toanother embodiment of the present invention, in an open orientation;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a mount of the soap dispensing fixture of FIG.7.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view of a detached body of the soap dispensingfixture of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10A is a cross-sectional view of the soap container of FIG. 1,taken along line 10-10; and

FIG. 10B is an enlarged view of portion 10B of FIG. 10A.

In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention which isillustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted tofor the sake of clarity. However, it is not intended that the inventionbe limited to the specific terms so selected and it is to be understoodthat each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operatein a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. For example, theword connected, attached, or terms similar thereto are often used. Theyare not limited to direct connection but include connection throughother elements where such connection is recognized as being equivalentby those skilled in the art.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention and the various features and advantageous detailsthereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limitingembodiments described in detail in the following description.

Throughout this description, various terms denoting direction, such asleft and right, front and rear, up and down, top and bottom, and thelike may be used. The directions are not intended to be limiting but areused to describe relationships of elements with respect to each other inthe accompanying drawings. Unless mutually exclusive, it is contemplatedthat the elements may be reversed, for example, by turning a componentaround or upside down without deviating from the scope of the presentinvention.

Referring first to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a soap dispensingsystem 10 is shown. The soap dispensing system 10 includes a soapdispensing fixture 12 mounted to an upper surface 14 of a countertop 16.The soap dispensing system 10 also includes a soap container 18, pump20, and control box 21 disposed below the countertop 16 so as to behidden from the user. A battery (not shown) may be disposed below thecountertop 16 and electrically connected to the control box 21, whichoperates the electrical components of the system 10. As further shown inFIGS. 1-4, the soap dispensing fixture 12 includes a main body 22removably coupled to a fixture mount 24. The fixture mount 24 is mountedto the countertop 16.

The soap container 18 includes at least one soap sensor 19 to detect afluid level within the soap container 18. In the representativeembodiment of the invention, the container 18 includes a first soapsensor 19 a and a second soap sensor 19 b. The first soap sensor 19 a isdisposed within the soap container 18 at a location below the secondsoap sensor 19 b. As such, the first soap sensor 19 a is disposed withinthe soap container 18 at a location to determine when the soap level isbelow a predetermined low point. While the predetermined low point maybe at any location, an example predetermined low point is 25% or lowerof the volume of the soap container 18. In turn, the second soap sensor19 b is disposed within the soap container 18 at a location to determinewhen the soap level is above a predetermined high point. While thepredetermined high point may be at any location, an examplepredetermined high point is 80% or higher of the volume of the soapcontainer 18.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the soap dispensing system 10 tofurther illustrate the elements disposed within a cavity 13 within thefixture 12. The fixture 12 includes a dispensing element 36 disposed atan outlet 38 thereof. The outlet 38 of the fixture 12 is located at afirst end 40 of the main body 22, while a second end 42 of the main body22 is in contact with the fixture mount 24. In the representativeembodiment of the invention, the main body 22 of the fixture extendsfrom the first end 40 to the second end 42 in an arced shaped. However,in other embodiments of the invention, the fixture main body 22 mayextend from the first end 40 to the second end 42 in any shape. Further,a hand sensor 44 may be disposed within the outlet 38 of the fixturemain body 22 and adjacent to the dispensing element 36.

A fluid supply line 46 extends from the dispensing element 36 at thefirst end 40 of the fixture 12 to a first fluid connector 48 at thesecond end 42 of the fixture 12. The fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12includes a second fluid connector 50 extending upward therefrom. In FIG.2, the first and second fluid connectors 48, 50 are shown as detachablyconnected to each other. The benefits of the detachable connectionbetween the first and second fluid connectors 48, 50 will be describedin further detail below.

The wiring 52 may be tethered from the control box 21 underneath thecountertop 16 to the hand sensor 44 and dispensing element 36 at thefirst end 40 of the fixture 12. It is contemplated that the fixturemount 24 of the fixture 12 may include a wire guide 56 formed thereinand having an opening therethrough to allow the wiring 52 to extendthrough the fixture mount 24 and into the opening 13 of the fixture mainbody 22. As shown in FIG. 2, the wiring 52 may be coiled in order toallow the wiring 52 to move as necessary and without exerting any forceson the on the control box 21, the sensor 44, or the dispensing element36 when the main body 22 of the fixture 12 is displaced from the fixturemount 24 of the fixture 12. Additionally, the coiling of the wiring 52assists in fitting the wiring 52 within the main body 22 withoutunnecessary duress by the user or maintenance workers.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wiring 52 may beconfigured to detachably connect, similar to the fluid supply line 46described above. In such an embodiment, the wiring 52 may extend fromthe first end 40 of the fixture to a first wire connector at the secondend 42 of the fixture 12. The fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12 maythen include a second wire connector disposed at guide 56 and extendingupward from the fixture mount 24. In turn, the first and second wireconnectors may be detachably connected to each other in order to detachwhen the main body 22 is displaced from the fixture mount 24.

As shown in FIG. 2, the fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12 includes arefill port 58 extending from above the countertop 16 to below thecountertop 16. A lower portion 60 of the refill port 58 may be threadedto engage with a refill hose 59 extending between the refill port 58 andan opening 62 of the soap container 18 (see e.g., FIG. 1). It iscontemplated that the refill hose 59 may be made from a flexiblematerial that allows the hose 59 to be manipulated during installation,as necessary. An upper mount 64 extends laterally from an upper end 66of the refill port 58 to engage the upper surface 14 of the countertop16. Meanwhile, a lower mount 68 slidably engages the refill port 58. Inthe representative embodiment of the invention, the lower mount 68surrounds the lower portion 60 of the refill port 58 and rotated untilit contacts a lower surface 72 of the countertop 16 so as to engage thelower surface 72 of the countertop 16. In the representative embodimentof the invention, a lower surface 74 of the upper mount 64 is spacedapart from an upper surface 76 of the lower mount 68 by a distance equalto or approximately equal to the thickness of the countertop 16. As aresult, the countertop 16 is sandwiched between the upper and lowermounts 64, 68. In turn, a mounting nut 69 is further secured to thelower portion 60 of the refill port 58. As shown in FIG. 2, the mountingnut 69 and the lower portion 60 of the refill port 58 are bothconfigured to threadably engage with each other to secure the mountingnut 69 to the refill port 58. As such, the mounting nut 69 assists insecuring the lower mount 68 in place.

The fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12 further includes a collar 30disposed adjacent the countertop 16. In turn, an illumination device 32,such as, but not limited to LED, may be disposed adjacent the collar 30in order to illuminate the collar 30 and provide a visual indication ofthe status or operation of the soap dispensing system 10. As such, thecollar 30 and the illumination device 32 combine to create an indicationsystem 31. While the representative embodiment of the invention depictsthe illumination device 32 as being located above the collar 30 and atthe front of the fixture mount 24, it is contemplated that otherembodiments of the invention may locate the illumination device 32above, below, or in-line with the collar 30 and at any location aroundthe fixture mount 24 including, but not limited to, the front, sides,and rear of the fixture mount 24. The collar 30 is preferably atranslucent material that allows the illumination device 32 toilluminate the collar 30. For example, the collar 30 may be atranslucent silicone. The operation of the LED 32 will be furtherdescribed below. Additionally, the LED 32 may be electrically coupled tothe control box 21 by way of wiring 51.

As shown in FIG. 2, the upper mount 64 may include a recess or notch 78formed in an outer surface 80 thereof. The recess 78 is formed toreceive the collar 30, so that the depth of the recess 78 is equal tothe width of the collar 30. As a result, an outer surface 82 of thecollar 30 is aligned with the outer surface 80 of the upper mount 64 toform a flush transition between the respective outer surfaces 80, 82.The collar 30 is sandwiched between the upper mount 64 and the uppersurface 14 of the countertop 16.

FIG. 1 further depicts the pump 20 fluidically coupled to the soapcontainer 18. In turn, the pump 20 is fluidically coupled to the secondfluid connector 50. As a result, the pump 20 transfers soap from thesoap container 18 to the supply line 46, which are connected to eachother via the first and second fluid connectors 48, 50. The supply line46 then transfers the soap from the first fluid connectors 48 to thedispensing element 36. Upon activation of the hand sensor 44, thedispensing element 36 dispenses the soap into a user's hands.

FIG. 3 illustrates the soap dispensing fixture 12 in a closedorientation 26. In the closed orientation 26, the main body 22 of thefixture 12 is coupled to the fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12. In theclosed orientation 26, the first and second fluid connectors 48, 50 arecoupled together to allow fluid to flow from the pump 20, through thesupply line 46, and to the dispenser 36.

Meanwhile, FIG. 4 illustrates the soap dispensing fixture 12 in an openorientation 28. In the open orientation 28, the main body 22 of thefixture 12 is decoupled from the fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12.Additionally, the first and second fluid connectors 48, 50 are decoupledfrom each other to fluidically decouple the supply line 46 and the pump20. As a result, the fixture 12 is unable to dispense fluid while in theopen orientation 28. In addition, the fixture 12 may include a proximitysensor configured to detect whether the main body 22 and the fixturemount 24 are in the open orientation 28 or the closed orientation 26.The proximity sensor may be disposed within the main body 22 andelectrically coupled to the sensor 44 and/or dispensing element 36. Assuch the proximity sensor may prevent activation of the dispensingelement 36 when it detects that the main body 22 and the fixture mount24 are in the open orientation 28. An exemplary configuration of theproximity sensor may be seen in FIGS. 8 and 9, in which the proximitysensor 154 is shown and will be later described in fuller detail.

FIG. 4 also provides a further representative embodiment of the fixturemount 24. As shown, the fixture mount 24 includes a plurality ofsupports 34 extending upward from a top surface 84 of the upper mount 64of the fixture mount 24. The supports 34 may be in the form of taperedpins disposed on opposite sides of a rear end 37 of the fixture mount24. However, it is also contemplated that the supports 34 may be in theform of other shapes. The supports 34 are also configured to preventmovement and provide structural support for the fixture 12 when in theclosed orientation 26 by extending upward and into the cavity 13 of thefixture 12. While FIG. 4 illustrates the use of two (2) supports 34disposed at the rear of the fixture mount 24, it is contemplated thatvarying embodiments of the invention may include more or less than two(2) supports 34 extending upward from the fixture mount 24 at a varietyof locations surrounding the refill port 58. Additionally, the fixturemount 24 may include at least one additional support wall 70 extendingupward from the top surface 84 of the fixture mount 24 at locationsbetween the supports 34 and surrounding or at least partiallysurrounding the refill port 58. In turn, the additional support walls 70extend into the cavity 13 of the fixture 12 and provide additionalstructural support.

Additionally, the support walls 70 may be used to guide the main body 22it is transferred between the open orientation 28 and the closedorientation 26. As shown in FIG. 2, an outer surface 71 of the supportwalls 70 is configured to be directly adjacent an inner surface 23 ofthe main body 22. As a result, the support walls 70 are able to guidemovement of the main body 22 and the fixture mount 24 without providingfriction between the components. This concept is further illustrated inFIG. 6, which illustrates the close arrangement of the support walls 70and the main body 22. That is, the close arrangement of the supportwalls 70 that result in the above guidance of the main body 22 and themount 24 may take place at one or more locations A, B, and C.

In addition, while FIG. 4 illustrates the second fluid connector 50 andwire guide 56 as being disposed at rear locations of the fixture mount24, it is contemplated that the second fluid connector 50 and the wireguide 56 may be located at any locations on the fixture mount 24surrounding the refill port 58. Additionally, the second fluid connector50 may extend upward from the top surface 84 of the fixture mount 24 adistance equal to the height of the support wall 70, as shown in FIG. 4,or a distance more or less than the height of the support wall 70.Similarly, the wire guide 56 may extend upward from the top surface 84of the fixture mount 24 a distance greater than the height of thesupport wall 70, as shown in FIG. 4, or a distance equal to or less thanthe height of the support wall 70. For example, at least one of thesecond fluid connector 50 and wire guide 56 may be flush with a topsurface 84 of the fixture mount 24.

Next, FIG. 5 illustrates an enlarged front view of the fixture mount 24and, more specifically, the collar 30. As shown, the fixture mount 24includes an upper mount 64 disposed above the countertop 16 and a lowermount 68 disposed below the countertop 16. In turn, the upper mount 64and the lower mount 68 are each sized larger than the orifice 17 in thecountertop 16 (see FIG. 2), to sandwich the countertop 16 between theupper mount 64 and the lower mount 68. Further, the collar 30 isdisposed within the previously described recess 78 formed in the outersurface 80 of the upper mount 64. As such, the collar 30 is disposedbetween the upper mount 64 of the fixture mount 24 and the countertop16. As previously discussed, the collar 30 is sized to fit within therecess so that the outer surface 80 of the fixture mount 24 is flushwith the outer surface 82 of the collar 30. In other embodiments of theinvention, the collar 30 may be sized so that its outer surface 82extends beyond are is spaced inward from the outer surface 80 of thefixture mount 24.

Now referring to FIG. 6, a top cross-sectional view of the main body 22and the fixture mount 24 of the fixture 12 shown in FIG. 3. As shown,the fixture 12 includes a locking mechanism 86 to maintain the fixture12 in the closed orientation 26 of FIG. 2. In the representativeembodiment of the invention, the locking mechanism 86 includes anorifice 88 formed in the fixture mount 24 aligned with an orifice 90formed in the fixture main body 22. In turn, a locking screw or pin 92may be inserted into both orifices 88, 90 to prevent the fixture mainbody 22 from being removed from the fixture mount 24. As shown in FIG.6, the orifice 90 of the fixture main body 22 may be formed in a tab 94extending into the cavity 13 of the fixture 12 from an inner surface 96of the main body 22. Meanwhile, the orifice 88 of the fixture mount 24may be formed in a raised portion 96 extending upward from the uppersurface 84 of the fixture mount 24.

As stated above, the orifices 88, 90 are configured to align with eachother when the fixture 12 is in the closed orientation 26. The lockingscrew 92 is able to transition between a locked position 98, as shown inFIG. 6, and an unlocked position (not shown). The locking screw 92 mayinclude a shaft 100 and a screw head 102, wherein the shaft 100 andscrew head 102 are maintained within the orifice 88 of the fixture mount24 in both the locked position 98 and the unlocked position, but theshaft 100 of the locking screw 92 is configured to be positioned withinthe orifice 90 of the main body 22 when in the locked position 98. Thatis, when in the locked position, the locking screw 92 is positionedwithin both orifices 88, 90. Additionally, another orifice 104 may beformed through the main body 22 of the fixture and further aligned withthe orifice 88. Orifice 104 is configured to allow a tool to extendthrough the main body 22 and into the orifice 88 of the fixture mount24. In turn, the tool may interact with the screw head 102 and allow auser to transition the locking screw 92 between the locked position 98and the unlocked position.

In the representative embodiment of the invention, the orifice 104 inthe main body 22 may be sized to have a diameter smaller than that ofthe screw head 102. As a result, the screw head 102 is unable totraverse through the orifice 104, which prevents a user or maintenanceworker from losing the locking screw 92, while the fixture 12 is in theclosed orientation 26.

It is contemplated that the LED 32 of the collar may illuminatedifferently for different statuses and operations of the system 10. Forexample, the LED 32 may illuminate by flashing green, red, or any othercolor when the system 10 is turned on. The LED 32 may flash any numberof times or for any predetermined period of time. In one particularembodiment, the LED may flash green three (3) times. In yet otherembodiments of the invention, the LED 32 may illuminate steadily for anynumber of seconds.

In another example, the LED 32 may illuminate to indicate a low soaplevel in response to the low soap sensor 19 a being triggered. Forexample, the low soap level sensor 19 a may be disposed within the soapcontainer 18 to be triggered when the soap level of the container is ator below a designated low soap level, such as 20%, 25%, or the like ofthe volume of the soap container 18. In other embodiments of theinvention, the designated low soap level may be above or below 20% ofthe volume of the soap container 18. The LED 32 may illuminate byflashing red or any other color until the low soap sensor 19 a indicatesthat the soap has been filled past the designated low soap level. TheLED 32 may cycle between on and off for any number of seconds. In oneexample, the LED 32 may flash by cycling between on for 0.2 seconds andoff for 2 seconds. However, this is not a limiting example. In otherembodiments of the invention, the LED 32 may illuminate steadily for anynumber of seconds. It should also be noted that the system 10 is stillable to dispense soap while the LED 32 indicate a low soap level.

The LED 32 may also illuminate to indicate a high soap level in responseto the high soap level sensor 19 b being triggered. The high soap levelsensor 19 b may be disposed within the soap container 18 to be triggeredwhen the soap level of the container is at or above a designated highsoap level, such as, but not limited to, 75%, 80%, or the like of thevolume of the soap container 18. In other embodiments of the invention,the designated low soap level may be above or below 80% of the volume ofthe soap container 18. The LED 32 may illuminate one or more of anycolor steadily for any number of seconds. For example, the LED 32 mayilluminate red for 2.5 seconds. In other embodiments of the invention,the LED 32 may illuminate another color, such as, but not limited to,green, for any amount of time. It is also contemplated that theindication system 31 may include an audible notification device 33disposed away from the mount 24 and within the control box 21 andconfigured to generate an audible warning. For example, the audiblewarning may be at a volume of 80 decibels. The volume of the audiblewarning may also be set louder or quieter than 80 decibels.Additionally, the audible warning may be in conjunction with the visualindication provided by the LED 32 and last for the same amount of timeas the visual indication provided by the LED 32. However, it is alsocontemplated that the audible warning may last longer or shorter thanthe visual indication. It is also contemplated that the audiblenotification device 33 may be disposed in any location, not just withinthe control box 21. Once the fixture 12 is returned to the closedorientation 26 after filling, the system 10 will then be able todispense soap.

In another example, the LED 32 may illuminate by flashing green, red, orany other color when the power source, such as the previously discussedbattery, is determined to have low power, for example, but not limitedto, less than 5 volts. When the low and high soap level sensors 19 a, 19b are triggered and the LED 32 illuminate accordingly, the power levelof the power source is detected until the LED 32 turn off. In therepresentative embodiment of the invention, the LED indications for soaplevels are prioritized over the LED indication for low power. Toindicate that the power source has low power, the LED 32 may cyclebetween on and off for any number of seconds. In a particular embodimentof the invention, the LED 32 may flash by cycling between on for 0.2seconds and off for 2 seconds. Further, the LED 32 may use a number ofcolors when on. For example, the LED 32 may switch between red and greenfor the 0.2 seconds. That is, the LED 32 may be red for 0.1 seconds,green for 0.1 seconds, and then turn off for 2 seconds. It is furthercontemplated that the LED 32 may remain operational for low powerindication until the power source is detected to reach a certainminimum, for example, but not limited to, 3 volts or more. At thispoint, the power level detection and the soap level detection may bedeactivated in order to save power.

The LED 32 may also be used to indicate usage of the system 10. Forinstance, the LED 32 may flash green, red, or any other color while thesoap dispensing element 36 discharges soap to the user's hands. In someembodiments of the system, the LED 32 may indicate usage every time thatthe sensor 44 detects a user's hands and the soap dispensing element 36discharges soap. In other embodiments of the invention, the usageindication may be limited to activation of the soap dispensing element36 during priming of the system, in which air is removed from the supplyline 46.

FIG. 7 depicts a soap dispensing fixture 112 of a soap dispensing system110 in an open orientation 128, according to another embodiment of theinvention. The soap dispensing fixture 112 includes a main body 122 anda fixture mount 124 coupled to the countertop 116. Similar to the openorientation 28 described in FIG. 4 above, the open orientation 128 ofFIG. 7 shows the main body 122 of the fixture 112 as decoupled from thefixture mount 124 of the fixture 112. Similar to the previouslydiscussed fixture 12, the fixture 112 includes a first fluid connectorat a distal end of the supply line and a second fluid connector 150disposed within the fixture mount 124. The first and second fluidconnectors 150 are configured to decouple from each other when thefixture 112 is moved from the closed orientation to the open orientation128. In turn, the supply line is fluidically decoupled from the pump,when the fixture 112 is in the open orientation 128.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the fixture mount 124 of the fixture 112includes three (3) supports 134 extending upward from a top surface 184of the fixture mount 124. In other embodiments of the invention, thefixture mount 124 may include more or less than three (3) supports 134.In addition, while the representative embodiment of the inventionillustrates the supports 134 as tapered pins, the supports 134 may beconfigured in the form of any shape. The fixture mount 124 also includesa number of walls 170 extending upward from the top surface 184 of thefixture mount 124 and surrounding, either fully or partially, a refillport 58 fluidically coupled to the soap container. The supports 134 andwalls 170 act to provide additional structural support for the fixture112 when in the closed orientation by extending into a cavity of themain body 122.

While the fluid connector 150 and the wire guide 156 of the fixturemount 124 are shown located at rear locations of the fixture mount 124,the fluid connector 150 and wire guide 156 may be located at anylocation on the fixture mount 124 surrounding the refill port 158. Asshown in FIG. 7, the fluid connector 150 extends upward from the topsurface 184 of the fixture mount 124 a distance less than the height ofthe adjacent support wall 170. In other embodiments of the invention,the fluid connector 150 may extend upward from the top surface 184 aequal to or more than the height of the adjacent support wall 170.Similarly, while the wire guide 156 is shown as extending upward fromthe top surface 184 of the fixture mount 124 a distance equal to theheight of the adjacent support wall 170, it is also contemplated thatthe wire guide 156 may extend upward from the top surface 184 atdistance more or less than the height of the adjacent support wall 170.The fixture mount 124 shown in FIG. 7 also includes a collar 130,similar to the previously discussed collar 30 of fixture mount 24.

FIG. 8 further shows the fixture mount 124 including a locking mechanism186 that assist in securing the fixture 112 in the closed orientation.The locking mechanism 186 is formed similar to the previously describedlocking mechanism 86. FIG. 7 depicts the orifice 188 formed in thefixture mount 124 that is aligned with an orifice 204 formed in the mainbody 22 of the fixture 112. In the closed orientation, the orifices 188,204 are configured to align with each other, so that a tool may beinserted through the orifice 204 in the main body and interact with thelocking screw disposed within the orifice 188. As discussed above, thelocking screw of the locking mechanism may be oriented in a locked orunlocked position. In the locked position, the fixture 112 is maintainedin the closed orientation. In the unlocked position, the user maytransition the fixture 112 to the open orientation.

Now referring to FIG. 9, a bottom view of the main body 122 is shown anddepicts the interior elements of the main body 122 at the second end 142of the main body 122. As shown, the main body 122 includes at least onesupport plate 206 extending inward from the inner surface 196 of themain body 122. In the representative embodiment of the invention, thesupport plate 206 is distinguishable into a first support plate 206 aand a second support plate 206 b, both oriented horizontally within themain body 122. In other embodiments of the invention, the support plate206 may be separated into any number of support plates 206 n, resultingin any amount of open space between the support plates 206 n.

The support plate 206 includes a number of orifices 208 corresponding tothe number of supports 134 in the mount 124. The orifices 208 arepositioned so that they are aligned with the supports 134 when the mainbody 122 is aligned with the mount 124. In turn, when the main body 122and mount 124 are in the closed orientation 126, a portion of eachsupport 134 extends through a respective orifice 208. For example, thesupport plate 206 of the representative embodiment of the inventionincludes three (3) orifices 208 corresponding to the three (3) supports134 in the mount shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In other embodiments of theinvention, such as that shown in FIG. 4, the support plate would includetwo (2) orifices aligned with the two (2) supports 34. Yet otherembodiments of the invention may include any number of orifices andsupports. The support plate 206 further includes a connector slot 210.The connector slot 210 is configured to receive the previously discussedfirst connector of the fluid supply line. That is, the connector slot210 maintains the position of the first fluid connector within the mainbody 122. It is contemplated that the first fluid connector may disposedwithin the slot 210 and attached to the support plate 206 by anycombination of fasteners, friction fit, or other mechanical fasteningmethods.

As discussed above, the fixture 112 may include a proximity sensor 154configured to detect whether the main body and the mount are in theclosed orientation or the open orientation. While a variety of proximitysensor types are contemplated by the present invention, therepresentative embodiment of the invention depicts a proximity sensor154 separated into a first element 154 a disposed in the mount 124 and asecond element 154 b disposed within the main body 122. As shown in FIG.9, the support plate 206 has a proximity sensor slot 212 formed thereinand configured to hold the second element of the proximity sensor 154 ina consistent position within the main body 122. The second element ofthe proximity sensor 154 may be disposed within the slot 212 andattached to the support plate 206 via at least one of a fastener,friction fit, or other known mechanical fastening method. When thefixture 112 is in the closed orientation, the first and second elementsof the proximity sensor 154 are placed adjacent each other. In turn, theproximity sensor 154 is configured to detect that the first and secondelements are adjacent each other and determine that the fixture 112 isin the closed orientation. Conversely, when the fixture 112 is in theopen orientation, the elements of the proximity sensor 154 are spacedapart from each other. In turn, the proximity sensor 154 is able todetect that the first and second elements are not adjacent each otherand determine that the fixture 112 is in the open orientation.

Finally, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrates a cross-sectional view of thesoap container 18 of FIG. 1. The previously described soap container 18includes an opening 62 that is fluidically coupled to the refill port 58by way of a refill hose 59. In varying embodiments of the invention, theopening 62 of the soap container 18 may be vertically adjusted toshorten the distance between the opening 62 and the refill port 58. As aresult, the system 10 may be customized to fit under any countertop. Asshown in FIG. 10, the opening 62 of the soap container 18 includes anextension tube 214, a locking nut 216, and a compression ring 218 thatwork in conjunction with each other to create a slip fit engagement.When the locking nut 216 is loosened, the extension tube 214 is able toadjust vertically in order to adjust the height at which the opening 62of the soap container 18 is disposed. When the locking nut 216 istightened, a compression ring 218 disposed between the locking nut 216and the extension tube 214 is compressed in order to fluidically sealthe resulting joint. As a result of the above, the height of the soapcontainer 18 is able to be adjusted to fit an orientation of elementsfor a specific system.

Although the best mode contemplated by the inventors of carrying out thepresent invention is disclosed above, practice of the present inventionis not limited thereto. It will be manifest that various additions,modifications and rearrangements of the features of the presentinvention may be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of theunderlying inventive concept.

Moreover, the individual components need not be formed in the disclosedshapes, or assembled in the disclosed configuration, but could beprovided in virtually any shape, and assembled in virtually anyconfiguration. Furthermore, all the disclosed features of each disclosedembodiment can be combined with, or substituted for, the disclosedfeatures of every other disclosed embodiment except where such featuresare mutually exclusive.

Further, the individual components discussed above are not limited toany material. That is, each component may independently be made from anymaterial such as, but not limited to, metal, plastic, wood, etc.

It is intended that the appended claims cover all such additions,modifications and rearrangements. Expedient embodiments of the presentinvention are differentiated by the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A soap dispenser system comprising: a fixturedisposed above a countertop, the fixture comprising: a fixture main bodyhaving a soap dispensing element; and a fixture mount attached to thecountertop, the fixture mount including an indication system and arefill port; wherein the fixture main body is removably coupled to thefixture mount to expose the refill port; and a soap container disposedbelow the countertop and fluidically coupled to the soap dispensingelement via a fluid supply line; wherein the indication system isconfigured to indicate a power status of the system and a level statusof the soap container; and wherein the fluid supply line extends fromthe soap dispensing element to a first fluid connector, the first fluidconnector configured to detachably couple with a second fluid connectordisposed within the fixture mount at a location surrounding the refillport.
 2. The soap dispenser system of claim 1 wherein the fluid supplyline is disposed within the fixture main body.
 3. The soap dispensersystem of claim 2 wherein when the fixture main body is removed from thefixture mount, the first and second fluid connectors detach.
 4. The soapdispenser system of claim 1 wherein the indication system comprises atranslucent collar and an illumination device disposed adjacent thetranslucent collar.
 5. The soap dispenser system of claim 4 wherein thesoap container includes a low soap level sensor and a high soap levelsensor; wherein the illumination device is configured to provide avisual low soap level indication when the low soap level sensor detectsa low soap level; and wherein the illumination device is configured toprovide a visual high soap level indication when the high soap levelsensor detects a high soap level.
 6. The soap dispenser system of claim5 wherein the indication system further includes an audible device toprovide an audible high soap level indication when the high soap levelsensor detects the high soap level.
 7. The soap dispenser system ofclaim 4 further including a power supply, wherein the illuminationdevice is configured to provide a visual low battery level indicationwhen the power supply is at a low battery level.
 8. A soap dispensingfixture comprising: a main body having a soap dispensing elementfluidically coupled to a soap container via a fluid supply line, thefluid supply line including a first fluid connector disposed at a distalend thereof; and a mount secured to a countertop, the mount including anindication system, a refill port fluidically coupled to the soapcontainer, and a second fluid connector disposed outside a perimeter ofthe refill port, wherein the indication system provides a visualindication of at least one of a soap level find a battery level, andwherein the first and second Quid connectors are detachably coupled toeach other; wherein the main body is removably coupled to the mount andconfigured to transition between an open orientation and a closedorientation.
 9. The soap dispensing fixture of claim 8 wherein theindication system includes an illumination device and a translucentcollar affixed to the mount.
 10. The soap dispensing fixture of claim 9wherein the illumination device provides a visual indication of a lowsoap level and a visual indication of a high soap level.
 11. The soapdispensing fixture of claim 10 wherein the indication system provides anaudible warning of the high soap level.
 12. Hie soap dispensing fixtureof claim 8 further comprising a locking mechanism configured to maintainthe main body and the mount in the closed orientation.
 13. The soapdispensing fixture of claim 8 further comprising a proximity sensorconfigured to detect whether the main body and the mount are in theclosed orientation or the open orientation.
 14. The soap dispensingfixture of claim 13 wherein the proximity sensor is configured toprevent activation of the soap dispensing element when the main body andthe mount are in the open orientation.
 15. The soap dispensing fixtureof claim 8 wherein the mount includes a plurality of supports extendingupward from the mount and into the main body when the main body and themount are in the closed orientation.
 16. The soap dispensing fixture ofclaim 8 wherein the second fluid connector is configured to: couple withthe first fluid connector when the main body and the mount are in theclosed orientation; and detach from the first fluid connector when themain body and the mount are in the open orientation.
 17. A soapdispenser system comprising: a fixture including: a mount coupled to acountertop, the mount including: a refill port; and an indication systemcomprising: a translucent collar disposed adjacent a top surface of thecountertop; and an illumination device disposed adjacent the translucentcollar; a main body removably coupled to and extending upward from themount, the main body including a soap dispensing element and a fluidsupply line extending from the soap dispensing element to a first fluidconnector; wherein the mount and main body are configured to transitionbetween an open orientation and a closed orientation; wherein the mountfurther includes a second fluid connector disposed at a location abovethe countertop and not co-axially aligned with the refill port andconfigured to detachably connect with the first fluid connector; and asoap container fluidically coupled to the soap dispensing element viathe fluid supply line and refillable via the refill port, the soapcontainer having a high soap level sensor and a low soap level sensor.18. The soap dispenser system of claim 17 wherein the indication systemprovides a visual indication of a low soap level determined by the lowsoap level sensor and a high soap level determined by the high soaplevel sensor; and wherein the indication system may further provide anaudible warning of the high soap level determined by the high soap levelsensor.
 19. The soap dispenser system of claim 17 wherein the fixturefurther includes a locking mechanism having a locked position configuredto maintain the main body and die mount in the closed orientation. 20.The soap dispenser system of claim 17 wherein a front surface of thecollar is flush with a front surface of the mount.